Latest news with #JoshuaNass
Time of India
24-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Top 10 warning signs of brain trouble, according to a US-based neurologist
Image credits: Getty Images Brain health is an important part of overall body health. An active and healthy brain is vital for our ability to think, learn, act and communicate. However, an estimated 6.9 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's dementia today, with the disease causing 100,000 deaths annually. While the symptoms of the disease are mild when they begin, they worsen over time with no effective cure. However, if one remains on the lookout for the signs, early diagnosis can improve the treatment outcomes. Dr Joshua Nass of the Michigan Institute for Neurological Disorders (MIND) told The Post how he sees multiple patients who brush off the symptoms of the disease and shared 10 neurological signs to be on the lookout for. Sudden and severe headache If you don't get frequent headaches and have been getting some that feel like the worst ones of your life, then that could be a sign of an aneurysm or bleed and must be assessed at the ER. About 6.7 million Americans are believed to have an unruptured brain aneurysm. Weakness or numbness in one side "Call 911", said Nass. Even if the feeling goes away in a few minutes, it might be a warning sign of a stroke. This happens when blood flow to the brain is disrupted and the brain tissue gets deprived of oxygen and nutrients, potentially causing damage or long-term disability. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Struggling With Belly Fat? Try This at Home Home Fitness Hack Shop Now Undo Slurred speech Slurred speech is an indication that the areas controlling speech and language are damaged and may be a sign of a stroke. Sudden vision changes Image credits: Getty Images 'Loss of vision or double vision could range from optic neuritis, stroke or a retinal problem,' Nass said. Optic neuritis is the inflammation of the optic nerve that carries the message from the eyes to the brain so that you can see. Memory changes A variety of memory problems and confusions can stem from issues such as infections, metabolic imbalances and dementia. Feeling off balance Consistently feeling room-spinning dizziness that leads to imbalance and falls. 'If persistent, this may represent more than an inner ear problem, and brain imaging may be warranted,' Nass advised. Seizure-like feelings Sudden staring spells or muscle jerks can be as much of a sign of warning as full-body convulsions. 'Especially if it's happening for the first time, a full workup to exclude a brain problem (including a tumour) should be completed,' said Nass. Loss of consciousness Image credits: Getty Images While frequent bouts of losing consciousness by fainting may be signalling a cardiovascular issue, a brain etiology must be included, advised the doctor. This is because certain neurological conditions, like a transient ischemic attack or mini stroke, can cause fainting or similar symptoms. Numbness or tingling in hands or feet More commonly, this may represent a neuropathy from vitamin deficiencies or diabetes; alternative causes such as multiple sclerosis or other spinal cord pathology should be excluded. Tremors 'Many times we see tremor in the office, and it is a benign essential tremor, which can run in families,' Nass said, 'but Parkinson's should be excluded, including other movement disorders,' said the doctor. Watch out for these symptoms and visit a medical professional immediately. Disclaimer : This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis or treatment of any symptoms.
New York Post
23-07-2025
- Health
- New York Post
I'm a neurologist — don't ignore these 10 signs that may mean your brain is in trouble
Wise up! Dementia — which gradually erodes memory, concentration and judgment — affects over 6 million Americans and accounts for more than 100,000 deaths annually. Symptoms tend to be relatively mild at first and worsen over time. Though there's no cure for dementia, it's important to recognize the potential signs because early diagnosis can improve treatment outcomes. Other life-threatening brain conditions, like stroke and a ruptured aneurysm, have symptoms that appear more abruptly. 6 Dr. Joshua Nass, a board-certified neurologist in Michigan, reveals 10 symptoms that shouldn't be shrugged off. Courtesy of the Michigan Institute for Neurological Disorders It's important to pay attention to brain health because it significantly influences our ability to think, learn, communicate and make decisions. 'As a neurologist at MIND and the medical director of the stroke program at Henry Ford St John Hospital, I see patients all the time who brush off symptoms,' Dr. Joshua Nass, of the Michigan Institute for Neurological Disorders (MIND), told The Post. 'Many times, it is the families who notice first,' he added. 'Unfortunately, sometimes it is too late.' Here are 10 neurological signs that Nass says shouldn't be dismissed. Sudden, severe headache 'If you are not a headache person and this is the worst headache of your life, this could be a sign of an aneurysm or bleed, and this should be assessed emergently at the ER,' Nass said. Some 6.7 million Americans — or 1 in 50 people — are believed to have an unruptured brain aneurysm. 6 An extremely intense headache could be a sign of an aneurysm or bleeding in the brain. goodluz – High blood pressure can put stress on blood vessel walls, causing them to thin. A bulge can develop in the weakened part of the wall. That's known as an aneurysm. It can burst if the wall gets stretched too much. Small, unruptured aneurysms typically don't cause noticeable symptoms, but larger ones can press on nerves or brain tissue, causing headaches, vision problems or other neurological issues. Weakness or numbness on one side 'Call 911,' Nass said. 'Even if it goes away in a few minutes, this may represent a warning sign for a stroke.' 6 Strokes can lead to permanent brain damage, disability or even death. utah51 – A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted or severely reduced. Brain tissue is deprived of oxygen and nutrients, potentially causing damage or long-term disability. Weakness or numbness can happen when blood flow to areas of the brain responsible for motor control is compromised. Slurred speech or trouble speaking This could also indicate a stroke that damaged areas controlling speech and language. Abrupt vision changes 'Loss of vision or double vision could range from optic neuritis, stroke or a retinal problem,' Nass said. 6 Sudden vision changes may indicate a serious medical condition and require immediate attention. Crystal – Optic neuritis is inflammation of the optic nerve, which carries messages from the eyes to the brain so you can see. Memory changes or confusion Memory problems and confusion can stem from a range of issues, including metabolic imbalances, infections and dementia. 'With new technology, we can detect dementia earlier, and newer treatment options are available to help prevent or slow down decline,' Nass said. Persistent dizziness or an off-balance sensation Talk with a doctor if you experience relentless, room-spinning dizziness that leads to unsteadiness or falls. 6 Dizziness can come from issues in the inner ear or the brain. Prostock-studio – 'If persistent, this may represent more than an inner ear problem, and brain imaging may be warranted,' Nass advised. Seizure-like activity 'These are not always full-body convulsions but may be staring spells or muscle jerks,' Nass shared. 'Especially if it's happening for the first time, a full workup to exclude a brain problem (including a tumor) should be completed.' Loss of consciousness, like by fainting 'Although this typically may represent a cardiovascular issue, a brain etiology must be excluded,' Nass said. 6 Fainting is caused by a sudden reduction in blood flow to the brain. madrolly – Some neurological conditions — like a transient ischemic attack or 'mini-stroke' — can cause fainting or fainting-like symptoms. Numbness and tingling in hands or feet 'More commonly, this may represent a neuropathy from vitamin deficiencies or diabetes, although alternative causes such as multiple sclerosis or other spinal cord pathology should be excluded,' Nass said. Tremors/uncontrollable movements 'Many times we see tremor in the office and it is a benign essential tremor, which can run in families,' Nass said, 'but Parkinson's should be excluded, including other movement disorders.' Parkinson's disease patients — there are about a million in the US — tend to experience slow movement, tremors, stiffness and difficulty walking.
